HUERFANO
Friends of the Library book sale
WALSENBURG— The Friends support ongoing efforts by the Spanish Peaks Library District to serve Walsenburg, Gardner, and surrounding communities in Huerfano County. Assistance is fostered and developed through fundraising, volunteer contributions, program sponsorship and infrastructure improvements. The Friends advocate for all constituents, inclusive of all demographics. Check our their book and bake sale on Thursday, Dec. 14 and Friday, Dec. 15, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Spanish Peaks Library in Walsenburg.
Science Seminar Series
LA VETA— Join us at the La Veta Library on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2 p.m. as our Library Director, Dr Anthony Masinton, discusses his area of expertise for our Science Seminar Series. Tony holds a PhD in Medieval Studies from the University of York (UK) where he was employed as a professor of Medieval Studies for 10 years. His specialism is creating digital reconstructions of historical buildings as they may have looked in the past. He will explore with us the question of how we know when things happened in the past and the importance of scientific dating with some fascinating examples. Questions encouraged, refreshments provided.
Trivia with LVPL
LA VETA— Join La Veta Public Library at Mountain Merman Brewing Company for a night of Holiday Cliches Trivia on Thursday, Dec. 15, 6 p.m. Up to FIVE (5) people on a team. No electronic devices allowed-this will result in immediate team disqualification. There is no charge to participate in trivia. Great prizes donated by Mountain Merman Brewery! A great time guaranteed! Want to host a library event at your business? We want to hear from you! info@lvpl.org
Care and Share Mobile Market
LA VETA— The La Veta Village assisted living residence partners with Care and Share Food Bank of Southern Colorado to provide food for those in need in the greater La Veta area. The monthly Mobile Market provides no-cost groceries. Everyone in the community is welcome to shop at the market. Simply walk up and choose food you would like to take home. The Mobile Market is coming to the La Veta Village parking lot 109 East Francisco Street on Friday, Dec. 15, 2 to 3:30 p.m. Bring Your Own Bags. For questions please call (719) 247-1393 or email foodservices@lavetavillage.org.
Christmas Cantata
HUERFANO— You are invited to experience the joyful sounds of Christmas with the Sangre de Cristo Vocal Arts Ensemble as they present their 2023 Christmas Cantata, “Joyful Noel”, at 3 of their favorite venues in Huerfano County: Friday, Dec. 15, 6 p.m. at the La Veta United Methodist Church, 416 S. Main Street, La Veta; Saturday, Dec. 16, 6 p.m. at Villa Jubilee (please call for directions – 719-742-5333); and, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2 p.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 121, E. 7th Street, Walsenburg. Please join us to celebrate the joy of Christmas in scripture and song. As always, admission is free. Be sure to join us after each concert for a festive spread of cookies and cider. We’re happy to be making a joyful noise for you! Merry Christmas.
Candle Lighting
WALSENBURG— Grieving or know someone who is? Join Praise Church, 311 W 4th St, Walsenburg on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2 – 3:30 p.m. and light a candle for them. Get prepared for the holidays and even discover hope for the future.
“Undeniable Nature” Show opening at MoF
WALSENBURG— MoF’s Maria Cocchiarelli is having a one-person art show of her painting entitled “Undeniable Nature” opening this Saturday Dec. 16, 5 – 7 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. Work represented covers the period from 1982 to 2005. She loves the land as witnessed by the large colorful landscapes but also family plays a prominent role here. This is a rare opportunity to meet and honor the artist who has work tirelessly serving our community since 2006. Show extends through the new year from Dec 16th to March 15, 2024.
La Veta Holiday Market
LA VETA— Come grab some last minute stocking stuffers and gifts, while supporting local, women owned businesses! Sunday, Dec. 17, 11 a.m. -3 p.m. Visit: www.mountainmerman.com/events for vendor details, and more!
Photos With Santa
LA VETA— Stop by the Bachman & Associates office at 222 S Main Street during the La Veta Holiday Market on Sunday, Dec. 17, 1 – 3 p.m. for a photo with Santa that you can take home! This festive event is sponsored by Broker Associate Deborah Ferrari!
La Veta Writes – Monthly Writing Group
LA VETA— Are you a longtime writer, or are you interested in making writing a bigger part of your life and looking for support and encouragement? We’re a warm, welcoming crew, and we’d love to have you join us at the monthly gathering of La Veta Writes, Tuesday, Dec 19, 3 – 5 p.m. at The Parkside Art Gallery, 127 W Ryus Ave. We meet on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. If you would like to practice reading your work aloud, bring along a page or two. This is a free gathering. Please bring a toasty warm or cold beverage, as the gallery cafe will be closed. Sponsored by La Veta Creative District & Colorado Creative Industries, LaVetaCreativeDistrict.org. For more info, TrustingOurInnerLight@gmail.com
SPLD presents Trivia Night
WALSENBURG— Check out this month’s trivia with the Spanish Peaks Library on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 6 p.m. at the Second Street Bar & Grill. Teams of up to 6 allowed and extra points for Library Card holders! Great food and drinks available, and the winning team gets $20 off their table’s tab. Call or check out our website at spld.org for category topics. Don’t miss the fun!
Family Friendly Holiday Movie Matinee
LA VETA— Join us at La Veta Public Library for a Family Friendly Holiday Movie Matinee on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2 p.m. The audience will choose a family friendly holiday film from our collection to watch. Feel free to wear your Christmas PJ’s!
Winter Solstice Community Bell Ringing
LA VETA— The sound of a bell welcomes peace, happiness and wisdom. Join us for La Veta’s Community Holiday Bell Ringing Blessing. On Thursday, Dec. 21 at 4:30 p.m., we’ll meet at the La Veta Town Park pavilion to begin the procession around town. If you like, wear festive or vintage clothing or simply cozy, warm layers as we ring out the old and chime in the new. Everyone is welcome to come celebrate miracles together! This event is sponsored by the La Veta Creative District and Colorado Creative Industries. For more information, LaVetaCreativeDistrict.org
Cuchara Chapel Candlelight Christmas Eve Service
CUCHARA— Have you been to a Cuchara Chapel Service? If not, this is one you will not want to miss. An evening to gather with friends and family at the historical chapel for a candle lit service on Sunday, Dec. 24, 5 p.m. Don Pike will officiate & Peggy Hoobler will provide accompaniment. It’s the traditional Christmas Story with readings and hymns. Located at the corner of Oak and Highway 12 just South of the Cuchara Main Street Entrance.
Spanish Peaks Christmas Bird Count
LA VETA— The Arkansas Valley Audubon Society is please to sponsor the Spanish Peaks Christmas Bird Count on Friday, Dec. 29, 8 a.m. We will meet at the La Veta Town Park and bird in the morning until about noon when we will meet in Town at a local home for lunch and refreshments, bring your own sack lunch. Intrepid birders will continue in the afternoon. With the group will be experienced birders to help beginners in identifying the dozens of species expected to be seen.
The Spanish Peaks count has been going on for more than 30 years.
Participants need not be experienced – experts will be present. More eyes looking about is always welcomed. Bring binoculars if you have them, dress warmly even though vehicles will be nearby. For questions call Tom at 742-3776 or Polly at 742-3657.
Also, if you feed birds in your back yard, let us know what you are seeing. The more the merrier
LAS ANIMAS
“Welcome to Colorado” TPL Art Wall
TRINIDAD— Local artist Sheigla Hartman presents an exhibit she calls, “Welcome to Colorado”, now on view at the Trinidad Public Library’s Art Wall. Sheigla has shown her artwork at the library numerous times. December’s exhibit includes watercolors and watercolor collages, and pages from a sketchbook she created while in London. Sheigla began her formal studies in 1964, and during her long career has exhibited in prestigious institutions in London, Paris, Madrid and the United States. Her exhibit will be on display for the entire month of December.
Winter Wonderland Party
TRINIDAD— ABC Disability Support Group will hos their annual Winter Wonderland Party at Peak Cinemas, 3600 E Main St, Trinidad. Come out and join us for our annual Winter Wonderland Party on Thursday, Dec. 14, 5 p.m. We will be watching a Christmas movie, eating snacks, opening presents and celebrating the wonder of the holiday season. Check out ABC Disability Support Group’s Facebook page for more information.
Christmas Choreo and Caroling
TRINIDAD— Come bring the kids to Main St. Live at 131 W. Main St on Friday, Dec. 15, 1 – 3 p.m. Dance and sing to your favorite Christmas songs. There may even be a visit from Santa himself or possibly the Grinch. This family friendly event is free for everyone.
STEM Exploring Days
TRINIDAD— Stob by the Trinidad Carnegie Public Library and have the chance to play with our STEM kits. Learn about rocks and minerals, magnetism, coding, gears and much more! Every third Friday, 3 – 4:30 p.m. with STEM kits out for kids to play with.
Las Posadas
TRINIDAD— Las Animas County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Presents Las Posadas, Friday, Dec. 15, 5 p.m. Immediately following the procession there will be a Pot Luck meal for anyone that participated in the procession. Please call Yolanda or Desiree if you have any questions at 719-846-8234 or 719-845-7839.
The Christmas Express
TRINIDAD— Main Street Live, 131 W. Main Street in Trinidad presents The Christmas Express. Directed by Nancy Mitchell this comedic play will sure to get you in the Holiday Spirit. Appropriate for all ages. Sponsored by First National Bank in Trinidad. The Christmas Express will be showing Friday and Saturday, 15, 16 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 17 at 2 p.m.
Shop with a Cop
TRINIDAD— Help spread holiday Cheer to Las Animas County Kids!
The Trinidad Police Department Shop with a Cop event is fast approaching. We will be holding our annual Shop with a Cop event on Saturday, Dec. 16. If you see a line of police cars escorting the Trinidad Trolley in the morning, please wave at the kiddos inside! Each child is paired with an officer, treated to breakfast, and given a 100-dollar Wal-Mart gift card to spend as they wish. During this event Wal-Mart employees and volunteers help wrap the presents for the children and they also help serve breakfast.
If you would like to donate to the program, please drop by the police department, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or drop donations in the utility’s payment drop box at City Hall.
Book Club Meetup
TRINIDAD— Join the Trinidad History Museum’s Book Club for a discussion about December’s book-of-the-month: The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones on Saturday, Dec.16, 10 – 11 a.m. Every other month, the Trinidad Book Club comes together to talk about a book set in or related to Colorado. This month, the well-received horror fiction and thriller novel, The Only Good Indians, is bound to spark fruitful discussions surrounding themes on tradition, identity, and guilt. To sign up or learn more, please contact Millie at (719) 846-7217 or emily.duren@state.co.us
Holiday craft fair
TRINIDAD— On Saturday, Dec. 16, 11 a.m. the Old School House, 221 CR 71.4, Trinidad will be hosting a holiday craft fair. There will be food, crafts and pictures with Santa. Vendor space is limited for this show, if you haven’t already messaged us for a space please contact Amanda at 719-493-3953.
Telemed Nightingales Grand Opening
TRINIDAD— Telemed Nightingales offers convenient, high-quality virtual care services for many health conditions 24/7 with no waiting or geographical limitations anytime, anywhere. It is quick, affordable, secure and you can access the virtual appointment with a smart phone, tablet, or computer. No apps or downloads are required. No insurance at this time is needed. Prescriptions will be sent to your pharmacy within minutes. Come join us in the Grand Opening of a much needed medical service on Saturday, Dec. 16, 12 – 4 p.m. Light refreshments, hot dogs, chips & drinks will be served. 2202 Freedom Road, Trinidad, next to Big R.
Kiwanis Youth Holiday skate
TRINIDAD— Kiwanis Club of Trinidad is Hosting a Youth Holiday Party at Skateland Saturday, Dec. 16, 12 – 2 p.m. Come skate, eat lunch, talk to Santa or just have fun. Free and the Youth even get special treats! Please RSVP at www.socoskateland.com.
Meet Emily Sands, Author of “This One Thing”
TRINIDAD— Join us for a special book signing event with Emily Sands, the talented author of “This One Thing.” Emily’s heartfelt book is designed to be a “sweet, gentle, and relatable conversation starter for children dealing with grief and loss.” She is excited to share her work with the local community and hopes it will serve as a valuable resource for families and caregivers. Grab a copy of her book and get it signed at the Trinidad Carnegie Public Library on Saturday, Dec 16, 1 – 3 p.m.
Youth Orchestra Christmas Concert
TRINIDAD— The Youth Orchestra Christmas Concert will be on Saturday, Dec. 16, 6 p.m. at the Mt. Carmel Chapel, 911 Robinson Ave. Please call 719-845-4894 for more information.
Trinidad Lake Archery Shoot
TRINIDAD— Join us at the Trinidad Lake Archery Range, on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2 p.m. for our first annual Holiday Shoot at TLSP! We’ll be sending arrows out at gift wrapped targets, with the possibility of prizes and gifts for participating archers. All ages and experience levels welcome. The Holiday Shoot will be at the Trinidad Lake Archery Range. Please dress warmly. Colorado State Park pass required for participation.
Favorite book or character ornament contest
TRINIDAD— Get ready to spread some literary holiday cheer with our “Favorite Book or Book Character Ornament Contest” hosted by the Trinidad Carnegie Public Library. Show off your creativity, celebrate the joy of reading, and decorate your own unique holiday ornament based on your favorite book or book character.
This fun and festive contest is for ages 5-17 and you have the chance to win amazing prizes, thanks to the generous support of the Trinidad Community Foundation. Participants are encouraged to create a holiday ornament inspired by their favorite book or book character. Visit Trinidad Carnegie Public Library during our regular business hours to submit your ornament.
If you have any questions or need further information, please contact Jessica Huffman or Phyllis Kilgroe at 719-846-6841. All submissions must be turned in to the library by Monday, Dec. 18th.
Tuesday’s Tots
TRINIDAD— Join Ms. Phyllis every 1st and 3rd Tuesday, 10 – 11 a.m. at the Trinidad Carnegie Public Library for storytime. Tuesday’s Tots is for children ages 1 – 4 years old.
Movie Madness at MSL
TRINIDAD— Check out the FREE Movie Madness at Main Street Live, 131 W. Main, Trinidad on Tuesday, Dec. 19, doors open at 4:30 p.m. for “Elf” showing at 5 p.m. and “Polar Express” at 7 p.m. Bar and concessions will be open For more info, call 719-846-4765.
COLFAX
Movie night at the Library
RATON— Tonight, Thursday, Dec. 14, 6 p.m. the Arthur Johnson Memorial Library be showing the Polar Express! Bring the whole family for a night of Christmas fun. Don’t forget to bring your favorite snacks, they will be providing free hot chocolate!
Angel Fire Opening Day
ANGEL FIRE— It’s time for winter fun! The lifts start spinning Friday, Dec. 15, 9 a.m., and we’re so happy to welcome everyone back for winter activities. For more information please call (800) 633-7463.
Jingle and Mingle Holiday Open House
RATON— Come and enjoy sweets, holiday treats and seasonal hot drinks on Friday, Dec. 15, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Sage Coffee, 1185 s 2nd street in Raton. Sponsored by InBank with MainStreet Bucks drawings and photos with the Grinch.
Young adults peer support group
RATON— Would you like to learn and share strategies for coping with life’s struggles? Young Adults, ages 18-30 join ZIA’ Youth, 207 Park Ave every Saturday, from 9 – 10 a.m. Join the community of encouragement and Empowerment and begin you weekend on a positive note. There will be free coffee and snacks.
Pictures with the Grinch
RATON— Duncan Automotive, 245 N 2nd St in Raton is hosting Grinchmas Picture day on Saturday, Dec. 16, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Pictures with the Grinch, goodie bags and hot coco for $12. All pictures will be printed and can be picked up on Tuesday, Dec. 19 at the shop. For more information please call 575-245-2886.
Holiday Market
ANGEL FIRE— Check out the Holiday Market at the Angel Fire Community Center, 15 CS Ranch Rd on Saturday, Dec. 16, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Purchase your Christmas gifts from 28 vendors, visit with Santa Claus, enjoy live music and entertainment and great food.
Fire Trucks and Santa
ANGEL FIRE—Come see Santa Claus and the fire trucks at Angel Fire Fire Department on Saturday, Dec. 16 starting at 5 p.m. There will be plenty of family fun activities for you to enjoy.
Fireworks and Torchlight Parade
ANGEL FIRE— Celebrate Christmas Eve mountain-style! Gather at the base area on Sunday, Dec 24, 6 p.m. to watch a torchlight parade of skiers and a fireworks show. For more information please call (800) 633-7463.
Reading Ranger
RATON— Join us on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. for our Reading Ranger Program! A Ranger from Fort Union National Monument will be visiting us at the Arthur Johnson Memorial Library, come enjoy some stories and crafts! All ages are welcome to join!
